Sharpe, Paul M.; Bailes, Elizabeth; Robertson, David L.; Gao, Feng; Hahn, Beatrice H.
Abstract
Research was conducted to examine the origins and evolution of AIDS viruses known as human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2). The viruses including simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV) found in other primate species provide an interesting and challenging model system in which to study molecular evolution. Results indicate that the common ancestor of the entire group of HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV existed within the last 150-200 years.
